What it means
An immune reaction that can appear a few weeks after a group A streptococcus throat infection that was not treated. The immune system attacks the body's own tissues. It most often affects children 5 to 15 years old. The biggest danger is lasting damage to the heart valves, called rheumatic heart disease. Treating strep throat with the full course of antibiotics prevents it.
For the nurse
Teach families to finish every dose of antibiotics for strep throat. Children who have had rheumatic fever may need antibiotics for years to prevent another attack, and should tell their providers before dental work.
At a glance
| Spanish | fiebre reumática |
|---|
Related terms
antibiotic
A drug that kills bacteria or stops them from growing.
inflammation
The body's protective response to injury or infection, with redness, heat, swelling, pain and sometimes loss of function.